May 27, 2025

Today is another cool, gray day here in Ohio with periods of rain all day long… ugh. There’s something about these dreary, overcast days that just seems to settle into your bones when you’re already dealing with chronic pain and fatigue.

But while I didn’t accomplish much physically today, I decided to channel my energy in other directions and actually made up for it in productivity in different ways.

Job Application Marathon

I spent a good chunk of the day filling out job applications. And by “a good chunk,” I mean what felt like an endless stream of online forms, cover letters, and that soul-crushing question: “Can you perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodation?”

Job hunting with chronic illness is its own special kind of challenge. You’re trying to present yourself as capable and enthusiastic while also being realistic about your limitations. It’s a delicate balance between honesty and hope.

Creative Energy Outlet

After all that job application work, I needed something more inspiring to focus on. So I decided to add some new designs to my RedBubble store today. There’s something therapeutic about creating graphics that speak to the chronic illness experience. Turning our struggles into something beautiful and meaningful.

You should definitely stop by and check out the new designs I added! Each one comes from a place of understanding what it’s like to navigate this journey, and I hope they resonate with others walking similar paths.

Here’s a few of the designs that I created earlier today.

Different Kinds of Productivity

Today reminded me that productivity doesn’t always have to look like checking off a traditional to-do list. Sometimes it’s about:

• Taking care of necessary but draining tasks (job applications)
• Nurturing your creative side (new designs)
• Building something meaningful for your community (RedBubble store)
• Working within your energy levels instead of fighting against them

Weather and Chronic Illness

These rainy, cool days always seem to affect how I feel physically. The barometric pressure changes, the lack of sunshine, and the general dreariness all compound the usual fatigue and pain. But I’m learning to work with these limitations rather than against them.

Indoor productivity days have their own value. Sometimes the weather forces us to slow down and focus on the things we can control from the comfort of our homes.

Here’s to making the most of rainy days and finding productivity in unexpected places. Tomorrow’s forecast looks a bit brighter, literally and figuratively.

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Productivity looks different when you’re managing chronic illness, and that’s perfectly okay.

The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜